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020 3318 8647
Lorraine Robinson

Lorraine Robinson

Head of LegalSTEP-Qualified Solicitor

Lorraine has over 10 years of wills and probate expertise and is a member of the Law Society Wills and Equity Committee.

Can you change a will after someone’s died?

If you’re the person looking after a loved one’s will (the executor) or you’re due to inherit something, you might be wondering whether the will is set in stone. This guide talks you through how and why people make changes to a will.

The Year In Wills Report 2020: How COVID-19 made us all face our mortality

Last year saw a huge rise in people writing wills from home. After checking tens of thousands of wills last year, we can now reveal the biggest trends of 2020. And you can also download our full report for tips on making your will.

What's a lasting power of attorney and why do you need one?

A lasting power of attorney is a great way to give yourself peace of mind for the future, just like making a will. Here, we'll look at the main benefits and how you can get yours from the comfort of home.

Your Lasting Power of Attorney appointment checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to think about before your appointment. You may find it helpful to write down your wishes before our call so everything’s in one place.

What are the rules of intestacy?

The rules of intestacy decide what happens to someone’s estate when they die without a will. The spouse or civil partner inherits the first £270,000 plus half of anything that’s left over. The children then get an equal share of the rest.

What is a codicil to a will?

A codicil is a legal document that allows you to amend an existing will. This can be helpful if you want to add new family members or leave gifts to charities, but it’s better to write a new will for larger changes.

Do unmarried couples need a will?

Unmarried partners don’t inherit anything when their partner dies in the UK, so it’s really important to have a will in place to set out your wishes. This can cover everything from money in the bank, to pensions, to the property you share.

Compassionate leave: what is it and how much do I get?

We all have to deal with loss at some time in our lives. When this happens, we may need to take time away from work to grieve, organise a funeral and sort out the estate. Taking this time from work is known as compassionate leave.

What is the best type of will for married couples?

For most married couples, a joint will is usually the best option. This allows each of you to write your own individual wishes without having to pay for two separate wills. For more complex relationships, a trust may be a better option.

How to get your will witnessed when you're self-isolating

If you’re self-isolating due to the coronavirus lockdown, you may be wondering how to get your will witnessed and signed. Here are a few steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones protected.

Top questions about making a will during the coronavirus outbreak

From making a will at home to getting it witnessed when you’re self-isolating, here’s everything you need to know about making a will during the coronavirus outbreak.

How to create a will at home

You can write a will at home by using an online will writing service. Then you can print and sign it alongside two witnesses to make it legally binding.

What is a mirror will and do I need one?

When couples in the UK think about writing a will, the term ‘mirror will’ often springs to mind. But is it really the best option for you and your partner?

How to update or amend a will

Our update service makes it quick and easy to change your will in the future. Here, we look at how it works and why it's so important to keep your will up to date.

What happens after you’ve written a will?

Our online will writing service makes it quick and easy to write a will from the comfort of your own home. Here, we'll cover what happens next to make your will legally binding, plus some tips on storing it safely at home.

What is an executor of a will and how do you appoint them?

One of the most important parts of writing a will is choosing your executors. Here, we’ll cover who can be an executor, what they do and why they’re so important.

What happens to your business when you die?

When it comes to writing a will, it’s important to have a plan in place for your business. Here’s everything you need to know about leaving a business in your will.

What happens to my house if I die?

Your home is probably the most valuable asset you own, so it's important that you have a say over what happens to it when you die. Here's everything you need to know about including property in your will.

What to put in a will

Thinking about writing a will but unsure where to start? This simple guide explains the key steps involved so you know exactly what to expect when you start writing your will.

How to choose who inherits your estate

One of the most important things to consider when writing a will is who is going to inherit your estate. Here, we cover everything you need to know before choosing your beneficiaries.

What happens to pets when their owners die?

Writing a will lets you do more than appoint guardians for your children, you can also choose who looks after your pets if something happens to you. Here's everything you need to know to make sure your pets are provided for when you’re gone.

How to appoint a legal guardian in your will

If you have children under 18, you need to write a will and appoint legal guardians to protect their future. Here’s everything you need to know about guardians, their responsibilities and how to choose them.

How to avoid inheritance tax

You can avoid inheritance tax by leaving everything to your spouse or civil partner in your will. Alternatively, you could reduce your inheritance tax bill by giving gifts while you're alive or leaving part of your estate to charity.

Who can witness and sign a will?

A will can be witnessed and signed by anyone over the age of 18 – such as a neighbour, friend or colleague. The only rules are that they can't be a beneficiary of your will, married to a beneficiary, or blind.

How to manage your Farewill account

We created our online will writing service to make writing a will simple and stress free – and the same goes with managing your account. From resetting your password to cancelling your subscription, you can find out exactly how to do it here.

What are STEP provisions and why are they important?

When you write a will with Farewill, it includes some general provisions that grant additional powers to your executors and trustees. Here, we’ll cover what these are and why you need to know about them.

What happens if you don't write a will?

When someone dies without writing a will, their estate is shared out following the rules of intestacy. Here, we’ll cover what this means and who can inherit when there isn’t a valid will in place.

Everything you need to know before writing a will

Thinking about making your will but not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know before writing a will.

How to make your will ‘legally binding’

Your will is the best place to set out what you want to happen to you, your loved ones and your money when you die. Here, our Head of Legal, Lorraine Robinson, explains exactly how to make sure your wishes are legally binding.

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